Hoping to cruise in 2011 but first trying to wade through all the advice and travel books /itineraries for a friend and myself to plan first a cruise to Alaska with cruise West and then solo trip through the Rockies and then perhaps the 'Canadian' to Toronto and onto Kingston or Ottawa for a stay with relatives before returning to the UK.
A no frills trip would be great. Difficult to find accommodation solo but would happily stay in hostels and cheap B&B. I am use to trekking in the Himalayas and spend time in remote areas of Scotland. Now over 70 but probably fitter than most 40 year olds although maybe a little slower. Happy to hire a guide.
Duration: 4 weeks or more. Budget: well thats fluid also, just cost effective and mind blowing visuals.
Barbara in UK
Can you advise on the best places to go for Alaskan Cruise
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Hi Elenydd - with Cruise West now gone, are you still looking at coming to Alaska the sumer?
Pleased we did not book with Cruise West. However, circumstances have changed. Now sailing to the FAROE iSLES from Scotland and in 2012 Newfoundland and Labrador ( again expensive as I will have to go solo).
Did a reccy by sailing with Holland America and THEN doing my own thing in the Rockies. I did not find anything exciting or new in Alaska JUST towns accommodating the cruise ships. I have been to Greenland on an expedition and the Arctic so NOTHING new in Alaska. OK for some but my experiences said stay home!!!
If you are going to Newfoundland & Labrador in 2112 you might consider visiting Nova Scotia too. We went to Prince William Sound with Cruise West in 2009 and I am sad to see that they are gone because PWS was absolutely wonderful, completely unspoiled and gorgeous scenery.The small ship concept is definitely my favorite way to go. Maybe another one will become available.
Going solo is a serious problem and I researched many options but to no avail. As I have visited the US and Canada ( mainly on business) more the 640 times in 40 years, I now look for "wilderness" and few people. Even at 70 years I am still very self sufficient. I am going back to the Hebrides (Scotland) in 2011 then sail to the faroes via Shetland. But first I have a two month trip back to Nepal. I have adopted wto families and support a hostel and school. As an engineer, then trained as a paramedic I usually help in REMOTE far west villages. I travel rough and ready and stay in local homes. Nova Scotia does not do anything in terms of NEW experiences for me.
Many thanks for the response.
Barbara
If you are still thinking of Alaska, you can go through the Inside Passage on the Alaska ferry. Certainly reasonable and you can book a cabin or sleep on the deck. Have not done that but did take a small ship 16 years ago through the Inside Passage and it is spectacular.
The Alaska ferry is a lot of fun, and it can be done rather cheaply if you don't get a cabin. We slept rather comfortably on chaise lounges, which worked great until blowing rain got us a little damp. Next time, I'll bring a tarp.
Cabins on the ferry are kind of pricey, as is the food. If you add up the fare, cabin and food, you may find that you are coming very close to the cost of a cruise ship.